Diplomatic Crisis: Uganda Suspends Military Ties with Germany

Uganda’s military announced on Sunday an immediate suspension of all defense and military cooperation with Germany, accusing Berlin’s ambassador, Mathias Schauer, of orchestrating “subversive activities” to destabilize the government ahead of the 2026 general elections. The abrupt move has plunged bilateral relations into turmoil and drawn sharp rebukes from German authorities. 

Accusations and Denials

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Chris Magezi claimed the military possessed “credible intelligence” proving Ambassador Schauer posted to Uganda since 2020 had interfered in domestic affairs and supported opposition groups. The UPDF did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegations.

Germany’s Foreign Ministry swiftly rejected the claims as “absurd and baseless,” vowing to seek clarification from Ugandan authorities. “We strongly condemn these unfounded accusations,” a spokesperson stated Monday, reaffirming Berlin’s commitment to diplomatic norms. 

Escalating Tensions

The suspension follows weeks of friction between Uganda and the European Union. Earlier in October, Ugandan military chief Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba—son of President Yoweri Museveni and a potential successor warned that the EU was “playing with fire” after its diplomats met with opposition leaders, including National Unity Platform (NUP) head Bobi Wine. Wine, a former pop star turned politician, has faced repeated house arrests, while rival opposition figure Kizza Besigye was jailed in November. Over 30 members of Besigye’s Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) face terrorism charges, which rights groups deem politically motivated. 

Uganda’s government has increasingly clashed with Western nations over its human rights record, notably a 2023 anti-LGBTQ+ law that mandates life imprisonment for same-sex relations and the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality.” The law prompted aid cuts and condemnation from the EU, U.S., and Germany. 

What Are The Implications Of This Row?

The suspension of defense cooperation risks disrupting Uganda’s role in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), a peacekeeping effort partially funded by the EU. Uganda contributes the largest troop contingent to the mission, which relies on international financial backing. Analysts warn the rift could jeopardize future funding and regional security efforts.   The allegations mark a severe breakdown in Uganda-Germany relations, potentially isolating Kampala further from Western partners. Germany, a major donor to Uganda’s development programs, may reconsider aid allocations, affecting sectors like healthcare and infrastructure.  AMISOM’s stability hangs in the balance if EU-Uganda tensions escalate. Reduced funding could weaken counterterrorism efforts in Somalia, benefiting groups like Al-Shabaab.  Uganda’s economy, already strained by anti-LGBTQ+ law-related sanctions, may face additional blows if Germany scales back trade or investment.